The Ultimate Green Beans Almondine (An Easy & Elegant Side!)
Imagine a side dish so simple, yet so elegant, it instantly elevates any meal it accompanies. Picture vibrant, crisp-tender green beans, glistening in a buttery shallot sauce, brightened with a squeeze of fresh lemon, and crowned with a generous shower of golden, crunchy, toasted almonds. That, my friends, is the timeless, sophisticated magic of classic…
Imagine a side dish so simple, yet so elegant, it instantly elevates any meal it accompanies. Picture vibrant, crisp-tender green beans, glistening in a buttery shallot sauce, brightened with a squeeze of fresh lemon, and crowned with a generous shower of golden, crunchy, toasted almonds. That, my friends, is the timeless, sophisticated magic of classic Green Beans Almondine, and this recipe is, without a doubt, the most delicious and foolproof version you will ever make.
Get ready to master this classic French-inspired side dish and create a stunning, restaurant-quality vegetable that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why This is the Only Green Bean Recipe You’ll Ever Need!
You are going to be completely amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create such an impressive and flavorful side dish. This is a forever classic. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Ready in 25 Minutes: This entire elegant side dish comes together in one pan in under half an hour, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and holiday feasts.
- Incredible Flavor and Texture: It’s a perfect symphony of textures—the crisp-tender snap of the green beans, the soft bite of the shallots, and the wonderful, nutty crunch of the toasted almonds.
- Simple yet Sophisticated: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a side dish that looks and tastes incredibly gourmet and sophisticated.
- The Perfect All-Rounder: This is the little black dress of side dishes; it pairs beautifully with almost any main course, from chicken and fish to beef and pork.
- So Much Better Than Steamed Beans: The buttery shallot sauce and toasted almonds elevate simple green beans into something truly special and memorable.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Calories | 189 kcal per serving |
| Course | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American / French-Inspired |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Sauté |
Your Shopping List for This Elegant Side
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
→ For the Green Beans Almondine
- 3 tablespoons butter → Divided for toasting the nuts and cooking the beans.
- ½ cup sliced almonds → Sliced almonds provide the best texture and coverage.
- ⅓ cup shallots → Finely minced. They provide a delicate, sweet onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the dish.
- 1 pound green beans → The thin, French haricot vert variety is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice → Freshly squeezed is a must for a bright, fresh finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley → For a pop of fresh, herby color and flavor.
- Salt and pepper → To taste.
Let’s Get Cooking! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create a truly elegant side dish? This comes together quickly in one pan, so have your ingredients prepped and ready to go.
Part 1: Toast the Almonds
- Toast in Butter: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds to the pan.
- Stir Constantly: Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the almonds are a beautiful, fragrant golden brown. Watch them carefully, as they can go from toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds!
- Set Aside: Immediately remove the toasted almonds from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
Part 2: Cook the Green Beans
- Sauté the Shallots: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are soft, tender, and fragrant.
- Cook the Beans: Add the green beans and 1 tablespoon of water to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes, or until the green beans are bright green and crisp-tender.
Part 3: Finish and Serve
- Add the Finishing Touches: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season to your taste with salt and pepper.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the green beans to a serving dish. Sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds and the fresh chopped parsley all over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!
Green Beans Almondine
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the almonds and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Remove the almonds from the pan and set aside. Wipe the pan clean.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the pan. Add the shallots and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add the green beans and 1 tablespoon of water to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the green beans are tender-crisp.
- Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a serving dish, then sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds and the chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Green Beans Almondine
These are my essential secrets for ensuring this simple dish is absolutely flawless every time.
- Use Haricot Verts if You Can Find Them. These thin, tender French green beans are ideal for this recipe. They cook up very quickly and have a more delicate flavor and texture than standard, thicker green beans.
- Watch Your Almonds Like a Hawk. Nuts can go from perfectly toasted to sadly burnt in the blink of an eye. Stir them constantly and pull them from the pan the second they become fragrant and golden brown.
- Don’t Overcook the Green Beans. The goal is “crisp-tender,” not soft or mushy. The beans should still have a pleasant snap when you bite into them. They will be a vibrant, bright green color when they’re perfectly cooked.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Parsley are Key. Don’t be tempted to use the bottled stuff! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end is crucial—it cuts through the richness of the butter and brightens up all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a clean, herby note that dried parsley just can’t match.
- Add the Almonds at the Very End. To ensure maximum crunch, sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top just before you bring the dish to the table. If you stir them in and let the dish sit, they will absorb moisture and soften.
Keep It Fresh! Storing and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is at its absolute best served immediately, but here’s how to prep ahead for a party.
- Make-Ahead Prep: You can prepare the components in advance. Toast the almonds and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also trim the green beans. For the best result, cook the dish fresh just before serving.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the almonds will soften upon refrigeration. Reheat briefly in a hot skillet to warm through.
FAQs: Your Green Beans Almondine Questions, Answered!
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
You can, but the texture will be much softer. Thaw the frozen green beans completely and pat them very dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan. You will only need to cook them for a couple of minutes to heat them through.
What’s the difference between a shallot and an onion?
Shallots look like small, elongated onions and grow in clusters like garlic. They have a milder, sweeter, and more delicate flavor than regular yellow onions, which makes them perfect for a refined dish like this where you don’t want the onion flavor to be overpowering.
Can I use a different kind of nut?
Absolutely! While sliced almonds are classic for “almondine,” this dish would also be delicious with roughly chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts.
How can I make this dish even more special for a holiday?
To elevate it further, you can start by crisping up some chopped pancetta or bacon in the pan before you toast the almonds. You can also make a brown butter (beurre noisette) instead of just melted butter for an even deeper, nuttier flavor.
Final Thoughts: The Epitome of Simple Elegance
There is nothing more satisfying than mastering a classic side dish that is both incredibly simple and profoundly delicious. This Green Beans Almondine is a testament to the power of a few high-quality ingredients cooked with care. I hope it becomes a staple on your dinner table, turning any meal into a special occasion. Happy cooking!
